It's Cancer Talk Week and, in our latest blog, our editor Imogen talks about her experience as a Macmillan support line volunteer, highlights the benefits of talking about cancer and looks at some of the different ways people can start talking...
One evening each week, I stop being an editor and start acting as a frontline volunteer. I began taking calls on the Macmillan support line (MSL) over a year ago and it’s been a great experience in many ways. Most importantly, it’s helped me understand how hard it can be to talk about cancer.
Even on the support line, callers are often hesitant to begin that conversation – and many people may not call at all. That’s why we’re using Cancer Talk Week to open up about the loneliness that can follow a cancer diagnosis and explore why it’s so hard to talk honestly about it.
Why is it hard to talk about cancer?
Many of us don’t like talking about our problems because we don’t want to seem needy or may want to protect other people from being upset. We may think that our problems aren’t important enough to bother people with. But in reality many people will want to help.
Why should we try to talk about cancer?
Talking can have many benefits. Whether you have cancer or you’re a friend or relative of someone with cancer, putting your fears or concerns into words can help you make sense of difficult situations. Talking about cancer may help you:
It can also bring you closer together at a difficult time. Our information can help you start those conversations.
If you have cancer
Our free booklet Talking about cancer has tips and advice about starting conversations and sharing your feelings with family, friends and health professionals.
If you’d feel more comfortable talking to someone outside of your family or group of friends, give one of our cancer support specialists a call on 0808 808 00 00. Or, you could use our Online Community to talk about your thoughts and feelings with people who know what you’re going through.
Some people don’t want to share their feelings about cancer or its treatment. Be open with your friends and family when it’s hard to talk. Sometimes you may want to enjoy not talking about the cancer. Don’t be afraid to tell people when you would prefer to talk about other things.
If you’re a friend or relative
Just being there for someone with cancer is often the most important thing. Don’t worry if you’re not sure what to say – listening is just as useful. We have more information about how talking and listening can help your loved one.
Our free booklet Lost for words – how to talk to someone with cancer can help you better understand how your friend or relative may be feeling. It also includes a practical checklist of ways you can help.
Remember, our support line and Online Community are there for you too. Being close to someone who has cancer can feel just as isolating. You may feel guilty for being upset or try to hide how you feel to stay strong for your loved one. But your feelings are valid and we want to offer you the same support.
Join the conversation
To find out what people are saying about Cancer Talk Week, search for #GreenNotBlue on Twitter. Or you can find and share tips about talking over at The Source.
To see what else Macmillan's cancer information team has been blogging about, please visit our blog home page! You can subscribe to receive our blogs by email or RSS too.
We're with you every step of the way
The Macmillan team is here to help. Our cancer support specialists can answer your questions, offer support, or simply listen if you need a chat. Call us free on 0808 808 00 00.
Comments? Feel free to add them below (you need to be logged in).
Keep in touch Follow Macmillan’s cancer information team on Twitter @mac_cancerinfo
